China to Build Self-Propelled Floating Marine Research Island
The construction order was signed this week in China for what is being called the world’s first floating deep-sea island. Designed for ocean research, it will be a self-propelled vessel, a catamaran designed for long-term residence at sea with the ability to change positions.
The ship will be built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao, which highlights that it will leverage its experience building the world’s largest sixth-generation 3,000-meter-deep-water semi-submersible drilling platform. The yard also highlights that China is the first shipbuilding nation to build aircraft carriers, LNG carriers, and large passenger vessels, as well as specialized vessels such as this research ship.
Shanghai Waigaoqiao won the bidding for the research vessel, which is being built at a cost of $413 million. It will be operated by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and is scheduled for delivery in June 2030. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028.
The shipyard will be responsible for the design and construction using a catamaran base, which is known for good seakeeping capabilities. The main platform will have a semi-submersible twin hull.
China’s research vessel will measure 138 meters by 85 meters (453 feet by 279 feet) and have a main deck height of 45 meters (148 feet). It will have a displacement of 74,000 tons and a speed of 11 knots. It is designed to sustain a sea state of 7 (20- to 30-foot waves) and survive a category 17 typhoon (maximum sustained winds exceeding 165 mph).
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The main facility will include six shipborne laboratories for marine heavy equipment and systems technology. It will also make observations and conduct research on marine disaster meteorology and long-term marine ecosystem observations. The ship will accommodate 238 crew and researchers.
The reports describe it as a pioneering concept that combines long-term residence with the ability to rapidly move to new locations.
